Francisco Lindor still believes in Mets despite underwhelming start to season
Star shortstop Francisco Lindor certainly isn't panicking about the 2023 New York Mets even after a disheartening three-game sweep at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers during the midweek.
"I believe in this team, I believe in every single guy that we have," Lindor said following Wednesday's 7-6 loss at American Family Field, as shared by Ryan Chichester of Audacy. "We have what it takes, we have the 'it' factor. They outplayed us, flat-out, simple."
The Mets opened the season with three wins in four games at the division-rival Miami Marlins but then completely fell apart in Milwaukee. New York lost 10-0 on Monday and then suffered a humiliating 9-0 defeat on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday afternoon, the Amazins blew leads of 1-0 and 6-4 before Adam Ottavino gave up a walk-off home run to Garrett Mitchell in the bottom of the ninth inning:
The Mets have also had literal injuries added to the insults represented by their four losses this season. Specifically, Jose Quintana, Justin Verlander, Edwin Diaz and Tommy Hunter are among New York's walking wounded before the Easter holiday.
It's not all bad news for the Mets as of Wednesday evening. According to Baseball-Reference, Lindor began the day batting a woeful .111 on the young campaign before both he and slugger Pete Alonso enjoyed solid afternoons at the plate in the losing effort:
Of course, those numbers will mean little to fans worried about a Mets team that is carrying a historic payroll this spring. Lindor seems to understand that reality but knows it's easier to recover from such setbacks now than it is in early October.
"We don't want to go out there and lose," Lindor added during his comments. "With that being said, I'm glad it's happening now and not later in the year. We have to bounce back."
Lindor and the Mets will look to "bounce back" when they celebrate their home opener Friday afternoon against the Marlins assuming the weather cooperates.
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